Pokemon Pokopia might hint at a new type

One of the games featured in the Pokemon Day presentation was the upcoming cozy life sim spin-off Pokemon Pokopia. While the game breaks new ground for the series as Pokémons put on one Minecraft-meets-Stardew–Valley game, Pokemon Pokopia could have larger implications for the future of the franchise beyond its simple spin-off premise. Pokopia may have already given players a glimpse of a new Pokemon type in its latest trailer, setting the stage for a potentially huge Gen 10 tie-in.

The star in Pokemon Pokopia episode of the Pokemon Day presentation was DJ Rotom, a new character that lets players listen to different songs from iconic Pokémon game while you play Pokopia. This Rotom has a stereo to become the Stereo Rotom, a new form of the animal's ability to have different devices in the main games. Stereo Rotom may not be a form limited to Pokemon Pokopiaand would be the perfect chance to finally bring the long-rumored audio type into the franchise.

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Every Pokemon has been confirmed for Pokopia so far

With March 5th around the corner, fans are wondering what Pokemon they might encounter in Pokemon Pokopia. Here are all the confirmed Pokemon so far.

Pokemon Pokopia's Stereo Rotom begs for the sound type

While Rotom has largely come to be associated with having the player's Pokedex in recent generations, Electric/Ghost-type Pokémon have historically been able to own all kinds of appliances, including fans, ovens, refrigerators, lawnmowers, and even washing machines. When taking the form of another device, Rotom's Ghost changes its type to the type most commonly associated with that device:

Fan Rotom — Electric/Flying
Heat Rotom — Electric/Fire
Frost Rotom — Electric/Ice
Cut rotom — electric/grass
Wash Rotom — Electricity/water

According to this logic, the new Stereo Rotom form that DJ Rotom takes on Pokopia would likely have a different type instead of Ghost when holding the device. Although it doesn't technically exist yet, sound type would be the most logical choice for a stereo, potentially picking up the franchise to introduce the new type in Gen 10.

The various forms of Rotom have a distinct color outline corresponding to their new type, with Stereo Rotom's color scheme not matching any current type in particular.

Pokemon has a history with “Sound Type” rumors

Probably the most popular type of Pokemon is the fan-made sound type, with it appearing by the dozens Pokémon fan games and ROM hacks. Fan concepts for the sound type have been around for generations, but Pokémon franchise hasn't introduced a brand new permanent type since Fairy was added in Gen 6, bringing the total number of types in the series to a nice even number of 18, excluding the Gen 9 Stellar type which is exclusive to Terasallized Pokemon. Still, it's possible that a new permanent type could be added in the future, especially with how the series has emphasized sound and sound-based moves with abilities like Soundproof and sound-themed Pokémon like Whismur and Chatot already present.

DJ Rotom in Pokemon Pokopia can herald the type of sound that comes in winds and waves

Pokemon Winds and Waves Outfit Version Screenshot 4

Now would be the perfect time to get Pokémon fans got used to the idea of a brand new type with DJ Rotom i Pokemon Pokopia. With the recent announcement of Pokemon winds and waves signals that Gen 10 is on the horizon, the door is open for the franchise to rewrite some of its greatest gaming traditions. While the introduction of a new type would throw off the balance of the current 18 types, it could also be a great way to give some older Pokemon a new coat of color in the upcoming games and help shine the spotlight on them, like how regional variants and Mega Evolutions have done in the past.

Other Pokemon that can become sound type

Whisper wall
Loud
Explode
Chatot
Audio
Time pole
Palpitate
Seismitoad
Obstagoon

Just like when the Fairy type was introduced, and many existing Pokémon received a type change to include this new type, the addition of the Sound type would likely add to or replace an existing type on some current critters. The Whismur line is the obvious candidate as their whole theme is about getting louder as they evolve. Chatot and Audino getting the sound type also makes a lot of sense, given that Chatot is known to repeat sounds it hears, and Audino can sense sound vibrations using the stethoscope-like tendrils on its ears. The Tympole line is an underrated choice for getting the sound type, as they can vibrate their cheek pockets to create intense sound waves. Obstagoon would also be a perfect choice, considering it is based on British Invasion Rock and Roll music culture.